SARS group to discuss WHO move

The Government's expert group on severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is due to meet today to reconsider its advice in relation to the Hong Kong Special Olympics team.

The expert group recently advised the Government to ask the Hong Kong Team not to travel to Ireland, which is hosting the tournament next month.

However, the World Health Organisation today lifted its advisory against travel to Hong Kong and the Chinese province of Guangdong, saying authorities had begun to contain the SARS outbreak in the two areas.

The Department of Health has pointed out, though, that Hong Kong and Guangdong remain on the official list of SARS-affected areas and the lifting of the travel warning does not mean that Ireland should change its stance on athletes due to attend the Special Olympics.